About not for glory

A restless, relentless unravelling of traditional dance and music.

Jack Anderson and Charlotte Mclean, in collaboration with composer Malin Lewis, bring together Highland dance, Irish dance and live piping in a dance-theatre gig that is as thrillingly physical as it is emotionally charged.

The performers revisit the traditions they grew up in – and the result is virtuosic, visceral and uncompromising. They dissect their heritage while dancing solidarity, balancing pride with shame and vulnerability with breathtaking skill. It’s bodies, bagpipes and brutality. It’s kilts, queerness and ceremonial violence. Back beats collide with high cuts, striking in to a battering, flinging skirl.

Rebellious, funny and fiercely alive, not for glory makes a powerful case for reclaiming what we inherit on our own terms. Whether you know your reels from your jigs or have never been within ten feet of a set of pipes, this is a show that will pull you onto the dance floor and not let go.

Part of Dance Umbrella Festival 2026

About Jack Anderson

Jack began Irish dancing professionally in 2008, touring with Rhythm of the Dance and Celtic Legends. Latterly he worked with Breandán de Gallaí in Ériu Dance Company, which awakened a new curiosity about different ways of moving, and eventually he went on to train at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance. In 2024, after more than a decade away from it, he began Irish dancing again - through the development of not for glory as well as residencies with Dance Ireland, Dance Limerick, Galway Dance and Jean Butler and Colin Dunne.

As a performer, Jack has ongoing collaborations with Éowyn Emerald & Dancers and Shotput, and has worked for others including Farah Saleh, Barrowland Ballet, Michael Clark and Rob Heaslip. He is experienced in inclusive practice and dances with lots of people through roles as teacher or facilitator for Scottish Ballet, Paragon, Dance Base and others.

He lives and works in Glasgow.

About Charlotte Mclean

Charlotte Mclean studied at London Contemporary Dance School and now works internationally as a performer, choreographer and interdisciplinary creative. Her work has been commissioned by The Place and Tojo Theater, Bern and has been presented at the V&A London, Tramway Glasgow, Black Box Teater Oslo and Alte Münze Berlin amongst others. She was recently named 'Dance Fellow of 2025' by The Arts Foundation.

Charlotte's practice draws from tradition having competed in Scottish Highland Dance throughout her childhood. Her artistic ethos is rooted in community values, intersectional feminism and rest as a political act. Her practice also amalgamates self-celebration, she co-founded two movement bands: 'badbodychaoscode' and 'Die Berner Band'. Both bands champion autonomy through the framework of collective creativity.

Charlotte also performs for independent companies including Barrowland Ballet and Eva Recacha Productions. She teaches at London Contemporary Dance School, Barbara Bortoli Ballet Schule and has worked as associate centre assistant at the Royal Ballet School.

About Malin Lewis

Malin Lewis is a bagpiper, fiddler, instrument maker and award-winning composer.

One of Scotland’s most exciting innovators, Malin melds Scottish west coast tradition with a newly invented, self-made bagpipe. Hair tingling, philosophical and dance inducing melodies inspired by European folk traditions, humans, queerness and the universe.

Malin's unique sound is born from the deep connection that comes with making and composing for their own instrument. Having performed across the UK, Europe and Canada, Malin released their celebrated debut album Halocline in May 2024 on Hudson Records. A Halocline is a visible layer that lies between saltwater and freshwater. Appearing like a hazy cloud under the surface; it floats between the two worlds and provides an environment which is home to a unique microbial ecosystem. Through their work, Malin explores the space between the gender binary; a space with its own colourful and unique culture.

Cast & Creatives

Concept, Deviser & Performer: Jack Anderson

Lighting Designer & Production Manager: Emma Jones

Access Consultant: Nelly Kelly 

Composer, Deviser & Performer: Malin Lewis

Costumer Designer: Cloe Rose McCabe 

Creative Producer: Helen McIntosh

Charlotte Mclean: Concept, Deviser & Performer

PR Associate: Joy Parkinson 

Marketing Associate: Serden Salih

Credits

Presented by Dance Umbrella, English Folk Dance & Song Society and The Place. Commissioned by The Place.